In an effort to better educate consumers about their auto insurance coverage, the Perimeter Group has put together a list of items everyone should know with regard to auto insurance here in Arizona. By knowing this information you should be able to avoid some of the pitfalls a lot of people have with their auto insurance, especially when you need to make a claim or shop for a better rate.
Purchasing state minimum coverage could result in financial ruin if you are involved in an at-fault accident. Your wages could be garnished and you could become a party of a major lawsuit and lose the ability to obtain credit for future major purchases. The cost to raise limits is relatively small in comparison.
Excellent credit means better premiums
Most insurance carriers give significant premium discounts for clients who have excellent credit and apply surcharges to those not having good credit. If you have good credit, get quotes from those carriers who give the best discounts and if you have bad credit make sure you receive quotes from those carriers that do not penalize as much for having a low credit score.
The vehicle you drive affects your premium
Before you purchase your next car call your agent to find out what it would cost to insure it. Besides the age of the vehicle, the accident history of the vehicle as well as the cost of the replacement parts have a major influence on the cost of insurance.
Many carriers now provide an excellent discount to clients who choose to pay their premium in full or automatically from a checking account or credit card. In addition, some give an additional discount for increasing the term of their policy from six months to a year.
Stolen or damaged personal items are not covered by most auto insurance policies
Items not considered part of the vehicle are not covered unless added through an endorsement. However, you can receive coverage through your homeowner’s policy.
Bad drivers will pay a lot more
Expect to pay 25 to 40 percent more in increased premium for an at-fault accident. Likewise, minor and major moving violations will add more premium on top of any accident. Carriers include these events from three to five years in rating potential clients.
You will pay for loaning your vehicle to a friend or non-household member
The value of your totaled car might surprise you
Insurance companies do not use the Kelly Blue Book to determine value at the time of an accident. They have their own software programs to determine a car’s value that takes into account mileage and pre-existing condition. If you have a loan or lease get gap insurance to cover the difference of what you owe versus what you will get from the insurance company based on depreciation. Keep good maintenance records and let the insurance company know of recent part repairs and tire replacement.
Check into diminished value claim compensation
If you in an accident where the other driver is at fault ask to receive diminished value compensation that takes into account what your vehicle’s resale value will be versus what it would have been without being involved in an accident. Some carriers will provide, some will resist.
After market items need to be endorsed on policy
If you upgrade wheel rims, suspensions or body paint as well as add electronic equipment that is not part of an auto manufacturer package or after you purchase your vehicle from the dealer you need to inform your agent to add these additional items to your coverage.
Ask about sales tax compensation in your claim
Remember to add licensed teenage drivers to your policy
You are not required to add a teenage driver until they obtain their license. However, it should be done immediately after they get licensed. If an accident occurs and they are not listed on the policy, it could cause major problems such as back premiums, lack of coverage and loss of preferred status.
You must officially cancel your policy in writing when switching policies
If you don’t provide a written cancellation and ignore bills from the previous carrier it could impact your credit score and ability to get credit.
Your car repairs do not necessarily include OEM parts
Most carriers only use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to repair a vehicle for the first two years of a car’s life. If this is important to you ask your agent to include this coverage in your policy. It does come at an additional cost with most carriers. However, non-OEM parts used in a vehicle’s repair are warrantied for the as long as you own your vehicle.
Get timing commitments upfront from the repair facility. If the repair takes longer than promised get an extension on “rental car reimbursement”. You have more leverage if you use a repair facility recommended by the carrier. If you use another facility get commitment on price, timing and warranty in writing.
Take pictures of the accident scene with your cellphone camera
If you are involved in an accident take pictures of all the vehicles involved. Make sure the picture includes the license plate number and driver if possible. Try and obtain the insurance information from the driver or police officer. As a back-up, keep a disposable camera in the glove box.
Hopefully, this knowledge will assist you in obtaining the coverage you need along with getting fairly compensated for an auto claim.
